Magic Kingdom Review
The house of Mickey Mouse on the east coast does not disappoint
Magic Kingdom is to theme parks what Michael Jordan is to basketball, or what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, or what butter is to… toast? What I mean is, this is an iconic, classic, beautiful theme park that you should visit if you are in Florida. Do you love theme parks? Come here. Do you hate theme parks? Also come here. Magic Kingdom has transcended the idea of being just a place to have fun and has become a pop culture icon that is known around the world.
You can find something for everyone. Magic Kingdom is one of the theme parks with the biggest number of attractions in America, with over forty shows and rides for you and your family to enjoy. You can find everything here from roller coasters to dark rides, interactive shooting galleries, carousels, meet & greets with characters, fireworks shows, parades, *deep breath* interactive shows, boat rides, 4D theaters and much more.
The Good
It goes without saying that this is the best theme park in Disney World for toddlers and young children. Actually, this might be one of the best theme parks in the world for kids. Magic Kingdom has nearly thirty rides without any height requirements whatsoever. To put it in perspective, Hollywood Studios has just three, Animal Kingdom has twelve, and Epcot has fifteen.
You can find several dark rides for your little ones and the entire family, like Peter Pan’s Flight, Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. You can also bring them to classic rides like the Haunted Mansion and It’s a Small World. Even rides with height requirements don't need your little ones to be very tall, such as The Barnstormer and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which should be perfect for five-year-olds.
Of course, the Happiest Place on Earth isn’t just about fun rides. Magic Kingdom is just charming. There is something special about this park that makes it look like you are entering a fairy tale. Maybe it’s because everything here revolves around Disney, or it taps into the dreams we had as kids. That’s why the park is split into different lands like Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, and more.
I challenge you to find someone that steps into Magic Kingdom and is not smiling. Every different area looks super clean and pretty, and the specific shows and locations only add to the experience. The Festival of Fantasy Parade is a daily celebration that you can’t miss, and you need to watch the fireworks spectacle at least once, which takes place right above Cinderella’s Castle. You want to become a Disney Prince/Princess for a day? Then come here.
The Bad
Like every good fairy tale, Magic Kingdom also has its own villains. Are they something incredibly powerful and scary? Nah, not really. This is the most popular theme park in the world, so expect heavy crowds throughout the year. Sure, some dates are better than others to visit, but let’s just say that Magic Kingdom is very, very busy during Summer and special dates like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Magic Kingdom is perfect for kids, but adults might find Hollywood Studios and Epcot more appealing. While Magic Kingdom does offer some thrill rides like Tron Lightcycle Run and Space Mountain, it's primarily aimed at children and families. Does that mean a group of adults shouldn’t stop by? Nope, wrong. Everyone should visit Magic Kingdom, and adults can also enjoy classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise.
You know what’s even better? Magic Kingdom will only improve in the coming years. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will debut in Summer 2024, and there are huge rumors of a Villains themed area planned to launch just behind Frontierland. Will this finally be our chance to get a ride based on Maleficent? Fingers crossed.
Will Kids enjoy it?
Yes. A thousand times yes. Kids up to twelve years old will think this is Heaven on Earth. There are so, so many rides and attractions for them that I’d take an entire day writing about everything in this review. From roller coasters to meet & greets and even an interactive show with Belle, there is something for every child in the world at Magic Kingdom.
Teenagers will also have fun, though they might feel they've outgrown certain attractions, particularly if your kids are over 15 years old. They will probably have a great time in Tomorrowland, though, especially in rides like Tron Lightcycle Run, Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
Check out what else we have to say about Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom Overview: we explore everything that Magic Kingdom has to offer, from rides to park atmosphere, dining options and more.
Magic Kingdom Ride Strategy: our ride itinerary to Magic Kingdom so you can learn which rides to prioritize and the ones to avoid, especially for first time visitors.
The Top Kid-Friendly Rides at Magic Kingdom: the best rides and attractions in Magic Kingdom for children. Spoiler alert: there are a lot of them.
Disney Genie+ Guide for Magic Kingdom: how to make use and optimize your Fast Pass options for Magic Kingdom. Should you go for Jungle Cruise or Peter Pan’s Flight first? We answer some of those questions here.
Magic Kingdom Early Entry & Rope drop guide: The Happiest Place on Earth welcomes those who arrive early to enjoy more than forty attractions.
Meet & Greet guide to Disney World: want to see Mickey, Minnie, Donald and even Belle and Cinderella? Come check out our meet & greet guide for Magic Kingdom and everywhere else in Disney World.
